Back in January we had an issue with a guest throwing a party with lots of pot smoking. We’ve since strengthened our description language and house rules to clearly state that it’s a no smoking, no loud music, no more than 6 guests house. We’ve also added Instant Book prompts to make sure people are OK with no smoking/parties, and resolved to meet with IB guests if their answers are vague or sketchy.
On Friday, a guest booked for the weekend and didn’t respond to the IB prompts. I had to ask him separately, and he agreed to them. I met him when he checked in. He seemed like a nice, responsible, 30-something guy, mentioned he’s just staying with his GF for the weekend (although he booked with three guests). I didn’t think anything of it.
I also told him how I have a lock/cover over the thermostat and how it’s set to be comfortable for most people, but if he wanted it adjusted to just message me and I’d happily adjust.
On Sat morning, we hear talking outside (it’s a 2-family home, we live upstairs, the Airbnb is the downstairs unit). Curious, I go to the porch and hear the guests chatting below and smell pot smoke. I was annoyed but let it go since it was done outside.
In the early afternoon, I went to grab laundry from the downstairs entry way area (a small room separating the Air unit from the front outside entrance) and it reeked of pot smoke.
I called the guest at that point and that’s when the lies started:
Me: "I smelled pot downstairs. What’s up?"
Him: "That’s impossible."
Me: "I was just down there and it was really strong."
Him: “It must be from next door.” (One lot next door is vacant. The other one is a family with small kids. There’s no way.).
Me: I heard people outside this morning and smelled it.
Him: It must have been my cousin. Let me talk to him.
Me: You said it was just you and your GF.
Him: That was just last night. But then my cousins are staying. I booked with three guests.
Me: Are you there?
Him: Yes.
Me: OK, I’m going downstairs to talk.
Him: Actually, I’m not there but my cousins are there. Let me call them first.
We hang up. I go downstairs and knock on the door. Still reeks. There’s shuffling around for a good 1-2 mins. Someone answers.
There are three guys hanging out in the living room. I’d say teens to early 20’s. They fessed up to smoking out back, but that’s “before they saw the posted no smoking sign in the unit.” They then told me they were smoking pot out on the street and it was the smell on their clothes that was what I must have been smelling.
Then, and this is the mind-boggling part. I notice that the stove has four top burners lit on high. WTF?! “Oh, we were chilly and wanted to keep the place warm.”
This being a major fire hazard, and with all of the lies, I asked them all to pack up and leave within the hour.
OK, that was super long. Thanks for wading through that.
I’m at the point now where I don’t want this guy to write a review. I’m sure he’s pissed off, but I don’t really care to be honest. I called Air and suggested that since it was cancelled mid-stay, why not fully erase the reservation so reviews aren’t possible.
I got nowhere with it. It doesn’t seem right to me that a guest plainly violated house rules and are still allowed to write a review. It’s a two-way street.
What do you guys think?